Spiritual Resolutions

With the new year here, it’s time to think about resolutions. Each year I make a concerted effort to make both physical and spiritual goals, and this year isn’t any different.

Like most people, I hope to get in better shape physically in 2014 by eating better and exercising regularly. I want to run a 5K sometime this year, too. I also want to focus more on the blessings in my life, so I’m going to keep a thankful journal and write in it each night before I go to bed.

It’s equally important that I grow in my spiritual life this year. So I plan to read the Bible for 10 minutes and pray a decade of the rosary every day and go to the sacrament of reconciliation at least once a quarter.

Father Robert Barnhill, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Beatrice, said both physical and spiritual resolutions are great to consider each new year.

And you can combine them.

Physical well-being resolutions regarding food intake or exercise could include a spiritual component, such as praying a rosary during the exercise time, he said. You also could fast with a spiritual focus by not eating a dessert as a form of self-denial.

“Deny yourself some sensual or appetite pleasure each day,” Father Barnhill said. “The late Bishop (Glennon Patrick) Flavin taught me to leave the last bite of your favorite food on your plate as an act of self-denial.”

Some people might want to select one thing to focus on, such as the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation or Mary, and form their spiritual resolution around that, he said. You could focus on the Eucharist by regularly attending Mass on a weekday, visiting to the Blessed Sacrament or making a Holy Hour, Father Barnhill said. Or concentrate on the sacrament of penance by going to confession once a month and making an examination of conscience each night before bed, he said. Those who want to focus on their relationship with Mary could pray the rosary, carry a rosary in their purse or pocket and pray a decade of the rosary each day, Father Barnhill said.

Whatever you choose as your spiritual resolution, keep it simple, said Missionary Benedictine Sister Carole Ann Clark of Norfolk.

“You may quit any of your resolutions by March if the resolution is not made with the Holy Spirit to bring you to deeper intimacy with God,” she said. “And that should be the motive for anything you may choose to do this year.” 

Sister Clark had several suggestions for spiritual resolutions, including trying to live your day with the “grammar of gratitude, not the mumble of grumble.”

She also encouraged people to meet everyone with hospitality.

“Remember Christ is in each person, friend or enemy,” Sister Clark said.

Another recommendation was to make an examination of your day to see where you could do better at the good you already do. This will help you automatically improve inner attitudes at your job and your family life, she said.

Sister Clark suggested setting aside time for journaling. Perhaps one of the readings at Mass was powerful for you. How? Why? Write it down, she said.

Another option is to practice living in the presence of God, practice the “Jesus Prayer” – “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” – sit for a set time in Centering Prayer, pray an hour of adoration each week, or pray the rosary regularly, she said.

There are so many little ways to pray and become more intimate with God, Sister Clark said.

“To become holy, we just need the resolve to do them, and be grateful for the grace to even begin.”

Blogged by Lisa Maxson, Senior Writer/Reporter